We can't be enthusiastic enough about llamas and their effect on our lives. Seven years ago we purchased a male and a gelding, caught the fever and now have 37 llamas. For five of those years we lived in the city and commuted to our farm on weekends to be with our llamas. Two years ago, we realized a dream, found another small farm within commuting distance to Houston and finally we get to live with our llamas.
People always ask: "What do you do with llamas?" Llamas make wonderful pets. They don't require a lot of room, don't make any noise, don't smell and require minimal care. They are wonderfully calming and are excellent used in rehabilitation therapy whether with mentally challenged adults, older citizens in nursing homes or just if you're having a bad day! Many sheep and goat ranchers have turned to llamas to guard their herds as they have excellent eyesight, a very curious nature and a natural herding instinct. They will attack anything that threatens them or the herd they rapidly become a part of. A number of these ranchers have cut their newborn losses 100%. We've even seen articles where llamas are used at golf courses as caddies!
Llamas are very intelligent and learn quickly. In areas that are a little more hilly than southeast Texas, llamas are used, much as they are in South America, as pack animals, carrying everything from tents and supplies to champagne and caviar lunches with china and crystal on day trips into the mountains. Their two padded hoofs and their ability to cut off forage rather than pull it out of the ground create a zero impact on the environment. Llamas are allowed places in some national parks where horses and mules are excluded.
We love the show circuit. One can either buy a show quality llama or, as we did, gradually breed up until you are producing them on your own farm. There are plenty of opportunities to show all over the United States at ALSA (Alpaca & Llama Show Association) sanctioned shows. Not only do these include halter classes but also obstacle and pack classes which simulate the "obstacles" a llama might encounter while on the trail.
The first llama born on our farm, Stray Voltage, was named Grand Champion Light to Medium Wool Male this year at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We will retire him from the show ring after the Championship Show in Oklahoma City this month and start showing his first offspring in the fall.
We have all types of llamas for sale: show quality, stud and breeding stock and pet quality also suitable for guard duty. Visit us on the net or come by and see us in Cleveland or Ace, Texas. All our llamas are registered with the International Lama Registry and would love to go home with you. Delivery can be arranged.